LOS ANGELES -- Gourmet Trading Co. announced the third week in September that the purple asparagus season in Peru has started. Both 11- pound and five-pound boxes are available and ready for promotion in the retail and foodservice sectors.

"We are excited to grow this unique addition to the asparagus category on our own farms in Peru," Chris Martin, president and chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based Gourmet Trading Co., said in a Sept. 21 press release. "The control we have over the growing, packing and logistics ensure that this delicate product arrives to restaurants and retail outlets in outstanding quality."

"With a stunning color and a slightly sweeter taste that green asparagus, purple asparagus is the perfect addition to a holiday menu for the Wow factor," Julia Inestroza, the company's marketing and merchandising manager, added in the release. "Purple asparagus is also an eye-catching addition to the fresh produce section in retail stores. An ad featuring a photo of purple, white and green asparagus, in conjunction with a display featuring all three colors together, draws interest and drives sales."